It was not a good day for Donald Trump to become the first President of the United States to attend a Super Bowl. Or at least, he chose the wrong person to support. Hours before the game, he declared his love for Patrick Mahomes and even more for his wife Brittany, a declared fan of the Republican (or whatever he is). Not even sharing the Chiefs scarf with his hated Taylor Swift, who caused him more harm in the elections than Kamala Harris, and her boyfriend Travis Kelce, the other great star of Kansas City and a supervillain in the MAGA world for being the face of the vaccination campaign during the pandemic, discouraged Trump. He was determined to win in New Orleans, especially with retired Tom Brady, as no one brings victory in the NFL closer than Mahomes. Shortly after, the Philadelphia Eagles were celebrating the title after one of the biggest humiliations in history (40-22, thanks to some late points).
It was not just a victory, it was an annihilation, a game that should have had a parental advisory warning. Some things children should not see. The first time Kansas City crossed midfield, the third quarter had ended, they were already losing 34-0, and the Eagles were already thinking about where to celebrate.
Not even the team led by Nick Sirianni, who went from being a meme-worthy coach whose job was in jeopardy to a champion in a year, needed a great performance from their offensive superstar Saquon Barkley, who closed what was probably the best year ever seen from a running back with a modest performance by his standards. More brilliant was their quarterback, Jalen Hurts (named MVP with two passing touchdowns and one rushing), but no great heroics were needed. The Super Bowl was decided while both rested, with the Eagles' offense dominating a Chiefs team completely destroyed by the green-clad defense. It was an exhibition. If it had been boxing, Mahomes' corner would have thrown in the towel before halftime.
Time and time again, led by a sensational Josh Sweat (probably more deserving of the MVP than Hurts, but offense always reigns), they hit the best player on the planet until he became a puppet who gifted two interceptions to the fantastic Cooper DeJean and Zack Baun. To put into perspective the defensive masterpiece coordinated by Vic Fangio, it is important to remember that Mahomes, still under 30, was seeking his fourth title (the second, against these same Eagles two years ago) and the third consecutive, a triumph that would have him looking only towards Brady (seven rings, who was commentating his first Super Bowl on TV) and History. He still has time, but his legend left New Orleans bruised.
Everything was already settled (24-0) when Kendrick Lamar took the stage at halftime. It was not the most brilliant show we've seen, as the NFL had set the bar high by having Beyoncé perform magic on Christmas Day, but it was certainly one of the most intriguing. First, because he finished off poor Drake by singing 'Not like us' to the whole world, accompanied by Serena Williams and Samuel L. Jackson. Second, because one of the dancers proudly displayed a Palestinian flag while dodging security guards like Lamine Yamal dodges defenders. Third, because he has never hidden his (poor) opinion about Trump, who watched from the box with a look that seemed to be calculating how many of those people who were nothing like him and his friends he could deport. Sometimes, the music is not the most important part of a show.
The second half was a smooth ride for Philadelphia towards glory, an hour and a half of spotting which celebrities appeared on screen. As always, there was no shortage. The aforementioned Taylor Swift (who managed the tremendous booing from the Eagles fans upon seeing her on the big screen with a fabulous half-smile), Jay Z, Kevin Costner, Bradley Cooper, Adam Sandler, Paul McCartney... and a notable representation of our soccer: Messi, Rodri, Griezmann, Koke, Luis Suárez, Busquets... All watching as the Eagles paused Patrick Mahomes' ascent to the most exclusive room in the Quarterback Pantheon. He will have more opportunities, no doubt. For the next time, perhaps he will decide to ask Donald Trump to stay home. Such humiliation takes time to heal. If it ever does...